Construction of high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City
Members of the media may directly contact the following experts on this topic:
Ryan Katz-Rosene
Associate Professor, School of Political Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences
Professor Katz-Rosene’s expertise relates to the ecological political economy with a focus the complex interactions between political economic structures and the environment. His research includes sustainable transportation and its climate and environmental impact.
“The devil is always in the details with these things. There are lots of political risks with this project depending on how our domestic politics shape out over the next few months and years: If the Conservatives come to power, this project could be painted as a wasteful legacy Trudeau project that only serves the Laurentian elites... and it very well could be kiboshed or restructured.
“In terms of its potential climate benefits - there is a pathway for an infrastructure project like this to support climate change mitigation, but merely building it is not sufficient. It needs to be carefully planned and its role in the broader regional transport and energy system needs to be mapped out.”
Lavagnon Ika
Full Professor of Project Management, Telfer School of Management
Professor Ika’s research focuses on project management in both the public and private sector, cost overruns, delivering major infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
“This is a transformational project that would cost over $100 billion and create value for Canadians for decades to come. A modern country like Canada needs a high-speed train but watch out for cost overruns, which is why promoters need to set the project up for success (e.g., initiation and planning) and deliver value for money at a time when the federal government may have tight finances.”
David Gray
Full Professor, School of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences
[email protected]
Professor Gray can discuss the economics and costs announced.